The Bottom Line
The TomTom ONE 130S and the ONE 130 add more features and a folding, take-along mounting system to the popular and economical TomTom ONE line. The ONE 130S is reviewed here, and it includes text-to-speech directions (the $130 ONE 130 does not).
Like the other models in the TomTom ONE and XL lines, the ONE 130S packs a number of higher-end features into a budget price. Its innovative new folding EasyPort mount (described in more detail below) and powerful speaker also help it stand out.
Pros
- High-end features at a budget price.
- EasyPort mount works well, stows easily.
- Volume automatically adjusts to background noise.
- Large, powerful speaker.
Cons
- 3.5-inch screen may be too small for some.
- TomTom menu system is good, but takes a little practice to master.
Description
- Price: ($140 - $160)
- Text-to-speech feature.
- EasyPort mount folds neatly into the back of the unit.
- Real-time traffic detection and avoidance: RDS-TMC traffic receiver-compatible.
- Display: 3.5-inch (diagonal) full color TFT LCD touchscreen (320x240 pixels).
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 3.2" x 1.0"
- "Help Me" menu option provides streets, coordinates, phone numbers for nearest emergency services, directions to help.
- Volume may be set to adjust to background noise level automatically.
Guide Review - TomTom ONE 130S Packs High-end Features, Folding Mounting System
TomTom continues to innovate at the top end of its model line, and then push features formerly associated with costlier models into ever-lower price points, with the ONE 130S model being a prime example.
I always recommend text-to-speech capability, and the ONE 130S is one of the lowest-cost models of any brand with that feature. That's good, but the ONE 130S continues to pleasantly surprise with an automatic day-night backlight/color display mode, speaker volume that automatically adjusts up or down depending on background noise (you can turn this feature off), and traffic tracking and avoidance capability.
The ONE 130 and ONE 130S are all-new models, with slimmed-down cases, compared to the former ONE models, and large, perforated-metal-shielded speakers.
The most noticeable difference is the new EasyPort windshield mount. It folds clamshell-style, and the entire GPS/mount assembly can easily fit into a purse or large pocket. The mount features a knurled dial that concaves or releases to affix or release the sticky silicon windshield cup. In my testing, I found the new EasyPort to be quick and easy to use, very adjustable, and it mounted the ONE 130S firmly.
An included USB cable and software connects your ONE 130S to your PC to take advantage of the free TomTom Home service, including MapShare (user-contributed) map detail updates. An optional ($99) windshield-mounted traffic receiver and traffic subscription will get you real-time traffic updates and avoidance.
Overall, The TomTom ONE 130S is a very competent navigator at a budget price. I especially like TomTom's route preview feature, which shows an overall view of your route and lets you select alternates, and the "help me" feature, which tells you your present location by street names and coordinates, but also provides phone numbers and directions for nearest services.
